E-mail this article

Sending your article

By Nick Cafardo, Globe Staff

FORT MYERS, Fla. -- Pedro Ciriaco says his sore right shoulder has improved and he should be able to take part in normal activities in spring training.

The Red Sox utilityman hurt his shoulder early in the winter ball season and wasn't able to play as much as he'd hoped. The Red Sox wanted him to get some outfield play in in the hopes of making him their super utility player. While that didn't happen then, John Farrell said he will get Ciriaco some outfield reps.

Ciriaco was one of the few bright spots in Boston's 2012 season. He got to play a lot of third when Will Middlebrooks went down. Really, for the first time in his professional career, Ciriaco has a chance to stick with a major league team all season.

"That part is exciting," Ciriaco said, "but I'm not approaching it any different. I've had to fight to make teams my entire career and I'm going to try my best to make sure I make the team. I know I have to perform well to make it."

The Red Sox would love for Ciriaco to be able to play outfield so they can reduce the number of outfielder's they have to carry

Daniel Nava is playing a lot of first base in drills and feeling as if he has the hang of it. Nava last played first base in junior college.

"The more I work there, the better it feels," he said. "The things I learned about the position way back in college are coming back to me. The throw in the infield is different, but I think I have the right arm action for it. Obviously, it's different with the reactions to the ball when it's hit and some of the footwork, but that's coming."

Alfredo Aceves put his cell phone down in his locker and swiftly moved through the clubhouse this morning. Aceves created the first controversy of camp with his strange BP session Sunday when he spent about 15 throws lobbing the ball to the batters before pitching coach Juan Nieves straightened him out. Aceves then met with manager John Farrell, who further discussed the situation.

One situation the Red Sox baseball operations department is worried about is the fact that Clayton Mortensen is out of options and therefore must either make the major league roster or be subjected to waivers.

Mortensen is one of those pitchers you'd hate to lose. The Sox may be able to make room if they move Aceves or start Junichi Tazawa in Triple-A.